Beavers and Their Kin (FBCEC)

The beaver is well adapted to its environment. This hands-on activity will introduce beavers and other aquatic mammals common to the Ozarks. Participants will examine furs, skulls and tracks as they learn about beavers’ adaptations and basic biology.

Recommended Setting

Indoor or outdoor classroom

Location

Fred Berry Conservation Education Center, Yellville, AR

Contact

Education Program Coordinator, 870-449-3484

Duration

45 minutes-1 hour

Suggested Number of Participants

Up to 24

Objectives

Learn about beaver characteristics, adaptations and biology.

Compare and contrast beavers to other aquatic mammals including otter, muskrat, mink and nutria.

Consider conservation and management issues for beavers and other aquatic mammals.

Aquatic animals have several adaptations for living in the water. None, however, are more specially adapted than the beaver. Beavers are considered a “cornerstone species” because they can quickly and drastically alter the habitat in which they live. As a result, they find themselves unwittingly in conflict with humans and are sometimes viewed as nuisances. However, in Arkansas they are responsible for much of the prime waterfowl habitat.

Procedure

Discuss beaver adaptations by asking participants to list some interesting features of beavers. Answers may include webbed hind feet, streamlined body, large flat tail (used as a balancing platform while felling trees, a rudder while swimming or as a warning system to other beavers), large teeth, thick fur for insulation, waterproofing body oil distributed by a split claw on each hind foot, large lungs for extended time under water, valves in ears and nostrils that close while diving, nictating membrane to protect eyes while under water. Fill in any important features that participants do not list.

Optional: Show a portion of the beavers movie or a slide show.

Use beaver items to enrich the discussion of their biology and habitat in Arkansas. Allow participants to examine skin, skull and other items.

Introduce the other aquatic mammals (mink, river otter, nutria and muskrat) with photos or mammal cards as well as skins and other items. Discuss similarities and differences.

Discuss roles of these mammals in the aquatic ecosystem of the Ozarks, and talk about their management.

Modifications

As each adaptation is discussed, a volunteer may represent the beaver and have that person put on the following items:

Swim goggles—nictating membranes

Nose plugs and ear muffs or plug—valves in nostrils and ears

Swim flippers—webbed feet

Long insulated coat—body fur

Rain poncho—waterproofing body oil

Ping pong paddle or fly-swat on a string—flat tail

“Billy Bob” teeth or Popsicle sticks—large front teeth

Review

Describe how the beaver shares similar attributes with other aquatic mammals.